Fifty-three Brookhaven National Lab employees got pink slips today.
The layoffs are the second phase of a larger “larger workforce restructuring plan,” the lab said in a statement.
BNL recently completed a voluntary workforce reduction of 63 staffers, according to the statement. The voluntary reduction was first announced in August.
“Since this voluntary reduction in force alone did not generate the savings needed for planned strategic reinvestment, the lab has begun implementing the next stage of its workforce restructuring plan through an involuntary separation program that will impact 53 staff, primarily in support areas,” the lab said in the statement. “Impacted staff were informed today, and will depart the lab by Dec. 14, 2017.”
The laid-off employees, like the 63 earlier approved for buyouts, will also receive a severance package, the lab said. The laid off employees will also receive “career transition assistance.”
“This staff reduction is intended to reduce the Laboratory’s costs and redirect funding toward growth areas. It will ensure that the laboratory’s investment funds are fully aligned with the highest priority elements of strategy through our strategic planning process, and that mission needs and risk management are being appropriately addressed,” according to the statement.
The workforce restructuring is not related to the proposed Fiscal Year 2018 budget, the lab said.
The lab employs almost 3,000 scientists, engineers, and support staff, according to its website.
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